Strangely, some might be scratching their heads wondering as to why in the world HTC decided to launch their very first tablet, the HTC Flyer, knowing that it’s going to be flaunting Gingerbread as opposed to the tablet-optimized experience of Honeycomb? Being aware that HTC is renowned throughout the world as a top notch smartphone maker, you really can’t doubt their decision just yet, because time after time, we’ve seen them being able to churn out devices that provide an unparalleled customized experience – thus, making you forget what’s supposed to be taking precedence over others. Granted that this Wi-Fi only tablet is sporting a $500 price tag, it might initially turn off some people, but its unique offerings on the software and hardware side just might justify the hefty premium for this 7-inch Gingerbread flavored tablet. Without further hesitation, let’s find out if the HTC Flyer can grow a pair of wings and fly above some of its Honeycomb inspired brethren.

The package contains:

HTC Flyer

microUSB cable

Wall Charger

Quick Start Guide

Design:

Can you say WOW? The HTC Flyer is arguably the best looking and solidly built 7-inch tablet we’ve been able to check out thus far; mainly because of its unibody aluminum construction. In fact, its design philosophy is undeniably reminiscent to some of HTC’s smartphones – like the Desire HD and Inspire 4G. Its white plastic accents on the back splashes a little bit of character to an already gorgeous looking tablet, but doesn’t take precedence over its brushed aluminum casing – though, it does contribute to its slightly heavier weight (14.8 oz). Regardless of that, it’s sleek (0.52” thick) enough to hold comfortably with one hand thanks to its contoured edges and moderately raised bezel. All in all, the Flyer’s profound industrial design goes to show the kind of engineering talent behind HTC’s camp.

The HTC Flyer is sleek enough to hold comfortably with one hand

Continuing to drool over its charming looks, we’re mesmerized even further thanks to its equally iridescent looking 7” LCD display, which boasts a reasonable resolution of 1,024 x 600 pixels. Compared to the crop of existing Android tablets on the market, it’s crystal clear that the Flyer employs one of the best-looking displays thus far out of the bunch. Its resolution dishes up some fine and sharp looking visuals, but when you factor in its delectable color production, you’ll comprehend why it’s so darn good looking. Moreover, its visibility doesn’t sway thanks partly to its great viewing angles and high brightness output – making outdoor usage more than tolerable without the need of shading.

Viewing angles and high brightness output of the HTC Flyer

Two sets of Android capacitive buttons are built into the bottom and right edges of the tablet, while the buttons used to work with the tablet’s Magic Pen stylus are positioned further to the right, and away from the usual bunch. Meanwhile, we find the 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, light, and proximity sensors all built into the top bezel.

The Magic Pen stylus

Front facing camera

Along the left edge, the 3.5mm headset jack is placed alongside the dedicated power button, which is rather flush in appearance, but exhibits an acceptable response when pressed. Oppositely on the right side of the tablet, the microUSB port is positioned squarely in the middle offering power and data connectivity, though, it can also provide a mirrored experience on the big screen if you happen to have an MHL adapter – much like what’s offered with the Samsung Infuse 4G. Meanwhile, the tablet’s two microphones and volume rocker are lined together along the top edge. And much like the dedicated power button, the volume rocker is flat and almost flush, but offers the same decent feel.

The sides of the HTC Flyer

Turning it around, its 5-megapixel auto-focus camera is outlined with a trim chrome bezel, however, it’s missing an LED flash to really it make it coveted. Still, there are two speaker grills found on the back as well to offer some sort of stereo audio. Interestingly enough, you can remove the top plastic panel, which is notoriously difficult to take off, so that you can gain access to its microSD card slot.

All those tablets are either the same price or within a 100 bucks of the iPad. The ones that are more expensive than the iPad are the Xoom (non-wifi) and the GSlate, both which work (or will work) with their carriers 4G networks something the same featured iPad cannot do. Also both the Xoom and GSlate can be purchased on Contract for the same price or cheaper than the iPad2 wifi. only. Playbook and Flyer are the same price and while in some ways the iPad2 has better features, in others it doesn't.

This is disregarding that you did not mention the Transformer, which is 100 BUCKS LESS than the iPad2 Wifi.

I mean I don't come here and expect to agree with everything posted here but a little continuity and intelligence would be nice.

6.lazarus101 (unregistered)

the version reviewed here is the Wi-Fi only one. The 3G version that is already in sale in Europe can send text messages and use the mobile data network but it does not support phone calls.
Allthough, having an unlocked bootloader i wouldn't bee too surprised if some smart hackers will be able to unlock the phone functionality in the near future.

I have had the Flyer for 3 days now, and the only real Con that I would say it has is the marginal camera (and no flash). The Sense U.I. is way better than Motoblur on the X. Also, the HTC implementation of the e-mail client is more user-friendly (I like the 2 panel format). Un-bundling the stylus is a bit of a nickel-and-dime exercise, but maybe as more competitive 7 inch tablets are available, the stylus will be bundled.

As it is, IMO, HTC has a hit (even if it doesn't have a dual-core CPU inside). Personally, I would have scored the Flyer as an 8.5.

Yep I agree, at least 8.5...I've had it since the day before the scheduled launch and its a great device! Comes loaded with a few classic books, able to rent/buy movies, the pen is pretty accurate and very easy to use, the grippers on the end are nice to give it a lil somethin to hang onto in landscape. (ie. Guy next to me on the plane dropped his ipad twice) This thing is snappy as all get out, and the Zoodles app is great for the kids...which I ended up giving it to my daughter for her birthday. Ill check out a few others when they come out, but I wouldn't mind getting another one for myself as its the perfect size and weight for traveling and everyday use.

The Flyer is really great. I've used our store's display a lot. The camera on the one I used is actually pretty good (both front and back). Plus the white rub on the back makes it really easy to hold with one hand. Definitely is great tablet and definitely like they said the best 7" out there.

You people at PhoneArena really need to get some consistancy with reviews

After playing with one myself I see too many - Cons:

1. It has a fat plastic bum which looks and feels totally out of place (like a mistake and an after thought) - The whole body should be aluminium and uniform shape
2. No dual core, and its still laggy. A Dual Core snapdragon would have been nice.
3. No Honeycomb... Reminds me of the Dell Streak 7.. Yuk!
4. Large gap between aluminum body and screen (good dirt collector)
5. The plastic ends just don't meet well with the aluminium chassis
6. No 3G?? WTF? even the iPad was released in Wifi + 3G versions on release
7. The whole package looks like a rush job IMO.. The screen feels un-even during use (may have been a defect on the one I used?)
8. Rubbish camera.. Seriously, this could have been so much better.
9. Really, its nothing special. I'd wait for Samsung's 8.9" Tab offering.

22.Pete.H (unregistered)

recently baught a Motorola Xoom , i have sold it already because android 3.0 isn't anything special , hoping on buying HTC Flyer , because it has sense 3.0 and it will be easy to carry around collage.

Not having 3g is not a problem for me , wasnt going to buy a 3g model anyway. save money buy turning my HTC incredible S into a personal Hotspot. i like the fact that it has a stylus , not liking the fact you have to pay more for ( sound like Apple.. )

People moaning about the camera ? dude who cares about a camera , i'm not a photographer and even if i was i would spend my ££££ on a big super camera.

Pro's it uni-body / aluminium - some one mentioned that its stupid it has plastic bits?? well how do you expect the radio waves to pentrate metal with efficent connectivity? dumb twat

Any way Honeycomb ( Android 3.0 ) is nothing special like i said , it has homescreens and thats about it , very boring , nice marketplace view but thats it , not many special Apps for it ect , feel slightly forgotten when purchased , left on your own.

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